How to Become a Qualified Nurse
Are you looking to become a nurse?
Nursing is a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities for development. Becoming a nurse can be an incredibly fulfilling experience and allow you to help improve people’s lives.
To help you decide if nursing might be for you, we’ve pulled together this guide which covers:
- Reasons to become a nurse
- What qualifications you need to become a nurse
- Nursing salaries in the UK
- Qualifications required to become a nurse
- How long it takes to become a nurse
- What career paths in nursing you can take.
If you want to discover more about nursing and the nursing qualifications required to enter this career, read on.
What qualifications you need to become a nurse
If you want to become a nurse, you’ll need a degree or equivalent in the field of nursing and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Here at The Manchester College, we offer a range of courses, including T Levels which will help you take your next steps to enrolling on a nursing degree.
The Manchester College’s nursing courses in Manchester
Health (Assisting Adult Nursing) T Level The Health (Assisting Adult Nursing) T Level course is a 2-year programme, equivalent to three A Levels and developed in collaboration with industry experts.
This course combines 80% classroom learning with a vital 45-day employer placement to equip you with on-the-job skills and knowledge.
Upon successful completion of the 2-year Health T-Level qualification, learners have to apply for a nursing degree to become a qualified nurse. T Levels are ideal for 16–19-year-olds.
How to become a nurse without prior qualifications
If you don’t have prior qualifications, you can explore our adult education course.
What skills do you need to become a nurse?
If you want to become a nurse, you might need a few of the following skills:
- Empathy
- Effective communication
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Medical knowledge
- Clinical skills
- Teamwork
- Resilience
Don’t worry if you don’t have all these skills! You will develop many of them during your nursing qualification.
Alternate routes to becoming a nurse in the UK
An alternative route to becoming a nurse in the UK is through a nursing apprenticeship. This allows you to earn a salary while gaining valuable on-the-job experience and studying towards a nursing qualification. There are different levels of nursing apprenticeships, from entry-level roles to degree-level apprenticeships that lead to a fully qualified nurse position.
What are the entry requirements for a nursing qualification?
To get onto a college nursing course, you'll usually need GCSEs (or equivalent qualifications) in subjects like English, maths, and science.
For a university nursing degree, you'll typically need A-levels or equivalent qualifications, such as a BTEC Extended Diploma. Many universities prefer A-levels in science subjects like biology, chemistry, or psychology or BTEC Health & Social. You can also apply with UCAS points from other qualifications.
Why should you become a nurse?
From childhood dreams to a passion for care, there are lots of reasons why someone would want to become a nurse.
The role of a nurse is to offer medical care and compassion to individuals during vulnerable moments. Although the role can be challenging, it can be extremely rewarding. If you have a caring personality and an interest in medical care, you might just have what it takes to become – and enjoy being - a nurse.
What’s more, nursing is a field that constantly evolves, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. It's a career where you can keep learning and specialise in areas that truly interest you, all while making a real difference to people's quality of life.
How much do nurses make in the UK?
The average registered nurse makes £36,000 per year. Entry level nurses make £31,200, whereas experienced workers can earn up to £50,000.
Locum nurses can make a little more, with the average earning £53,000, while experienced nurses can earn up to £78,000 on average.
How long does it take to become a nurse in the UK?
To become a nurse, you can spend 1-2 years acquiring your Level 3 nursing qualification from TMC such as the ones listed above.
You must then complete a degree in nursing which will take a minimum of 3 years.
What can a nursing qualification lead to?
A registered nursing qualification can open the door to a wide range of careers.
You could become a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, manager, clinical specialist, locum nurse and more.
You can also choose to specialise in different areas of practice, such as a paediatric nurse, midwife, critical care nurse, or mental health nurse to name a few.
With nursing, there is always scope for career development and finding a field of practice that suits you.
What funding and bursary options are available for nursing courses?
16-19 Education
If you're aged 16-19, you're eligible for free education and training in the UK. This includes nursing courses offered at colleges and sixth forms.
Post-19 Education
Once you turn 19, you'll typically need to pay tuition fees for nursing courses. However, there are several funding options available:
Student Finance England: This government body provides student loans to cover tuition fees and living costs for eligible students.
NHS Bursaries: Depending on your course and circumstances, you may be eligible for an NHS bursary, which can cover tuition fees and provide additional financial support.
College Bursaries and Scholarships: Many colleges offer bursaries and scholarships to students from low-income backgrounds or those with specific needs.
For more specific information and tailored advice, it's best to contact our team at TMC.
Choose TMC for your Access to Nursing course in Manchester
Here at TMC, we offer flexible nursing courses with experienced tutors and strong industry links. Our supportive environment make us a great choice for those looking to pursue a career in nursing in nursing.
If you want to take the right steps towards this rewarding career, check out our nursing courses and enrol today. We can’t wait for you to join us here at TMC!